- ACB NOT SERIOUS
The request by ACB to delay furnishing disclosures to Chilima lawyers has negatively affected the graft busting body’s image and seriousness to the case. The Judge wondered why the delay when they arrested Chilima in November 2022. “Eight months later you are not ready,” wondered Justice Redson Kapindu.
2. DISCLOSURES IN 21 DAYS
ACB seems not ready with evidence to form part of the disclosures. Justice Kapindu earlier gave ACB seven days to furnish Chilima legal team with disclosures but their lead prosecutor Chrispin Khunga said they needed 21 days, forcing Justice Kapindu to again ask how come not ready eight months after the arrest.
3. BAIL VARIATION FOR SKC
Bail variation application will be made on July 19, 2023 at 10 am. Today it failed because Chilima was given time to rush to Airport to welcome President Lazarus Chakwera. Defence wants bail conditions waived. Currently Dr. Chilima reports to ACB once in three months and has had his passport withheld. But plea and direction will commence on August 1, 2023 to give ACB the 21 days they needed.
4. PERVASIVE & EXTENSIVE DISCLOSURES, NOTHING LESS
Lawyers for Chilima have told the Prosecution team to prepare to further disclose what they have termed *pervasive and extensive disclosures which the defence will be seeking. This seemed like a warning shot to someone. Time will tell.
5. DISORGANISED ACB
Defence team and Justice Kapindu not happy with ACB on day one. The defence team lamented of late submission of charge sheet. Justice Kapindu complained of being taken by surprise of the change of business of the day from Mentions to Plea taking without formal communication which made to enter the court room late as he had to further prepare.
